Search

Civil engineers design buildings, roads, and utility pipelines in the Arctic to rest on firm frozen ground. But as permafrost thaws due to increased air temperature, the ground subsides and infrastructure fails. This paper assesses the current tools used for mapping Arctic geohazard for civil infrastructure planning in the warming Arctic. We formulate an integrated framework to inform science-based decisions and policymaking in response to the ongoing environmental changes. This study first conducts a systematic review of the Arctic geohazard mapping tools. Tools used for Arctic geohazard mapping fall into three categories: analytical or statistical equations for geohazard assessment, modeling approaches for predicting the extent of permafrost degradation, and remote and in-situ sensing for monitoring the natural and built environments and data collection. A description of these tools, along with their limitations and applicability, is provided. Co-production of knowledge is important in developing a robust geohazard assessment tool. Based on the scientific and gray literature, however, we find that the literature of the use of knowledge co-production in the development of evaluation tools outside of health care and public governance is highly sparse. Through the review of Arctic geohazard mapping tools, we provide an integrated framework for Arctic high spatial-resolution multi-geohazards evaluation for civil infrastructure planning. Indigenous knowledge and local observations are included in the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change-induced reduction in the extent and duration of sea ice cover, as well as an increase in energy demands, has caused renewed interest in exploring and drilling for oil in Arctic waters. Superstructure icing from sea spray and atmospheric icing in the Arctic may impact offshore platform operations. Though icing has not caused the loss of an offshore platform, it can reduce safety, operational tempo, and productivity. Historically, many ice protection technologies were tested on offshore platforms with little success. However, new technologies and modern versions of old technologies used successfully in aviation, the electric power industry, and ground transportation systems, may be adapted to an offshore environment. This paper provides a framework for assessing the relative threat of ice accumulation types, such as superstructure ice, glaze, rime, frost, and snow, to the safety of platform functions. A review of ice protection strategies for functional platform areas is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]